- SMRT’s chairman has significantly contributed to engineering in Singapore and was awarded the IES Lifetime Engineering Award.
- He encourages innovation and provides tools and resources for his team to foster creativity.
- SMRT has implemented initiatives such as smart travel, renewable energy solutions, rainwater harvesting, and predictive maintenance systems.
- The chairman has also recognized the importance of collaboration and partnerships to drive innovation.
- He is a shining example of visionary leadership in today’s business landscape.
Singapore’s business landscape has seen immense growth over the past few years. With changing consumer behavior and an increased focus on sustainability and technology, today’s successful businesses need visionary leadership.
One such visionary leader is SMRT’s Chairman, Seah Moon Ming. The Singaporean corporate executive has made significant contributions to several prominent engineering companies in Singapore, such as Singapore Technologies Group, Temasek, and Pavilion Energy.
In January 2023, he received the IES Lifetime Engineering Award from the Institution of Engineers Singapore (IES) to acknowledge his profound impact and accomplishments in the engineering community. This blog post discusses how his leadership has transformed the company and what you can learn from it.
Fostering a Culture of Innovation
One of the key traits of successful leaders is that they encourage innovation and creativity within their teams. The SMRT chairman is no exception. He believes innovation is the key to success and fosters a culture of innovation within his team.
Smart Travel
Under his leadership, SMRT has leveraged the power of technology to improve operations. For instance, they have implemented a smart-travel initiative that enables passengers to track the location of trains and buses, thereby reducing wait times. Such initiatives not only enhance customer experience but also improve efficiency.
Tools and Resources
The chairman has also provided the right tools and resources for his team. He encourages employees to share ideas, collaborate and ask questions. This creates an environment where creative thinking and innovative solutions are not only encouraged but rewarded as well.
Embracing Sustainability
Sustainable practices are crucial for any business to succeed in today’s world. SMRT’s chairman strongly advocates sustainable practices and has implemented several initiatives to reduce SMRT’s carbon footprint. For instance, SMRT has invested in renewable energy solutions such as solar panels and energy-efficient lighting.
Resource Optimization
Additionally, they have focused on reducing waste and optimizing resource usage. By embracing sustainability, SMRT contributes to the fight against climate change and stands out as a socially responsible company.
Environmental Protection
The company has also reduced its water usage through rainwater harvesting. The company saves around 29,000 liters of fresh water daily on train wash. It also works on reducing greenhouse gas emissions to protect the environment. It reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 18 percent during the 2022 fiscal year.
Digitization of Processes
Technological advancements have disrupted several industries, and transportation is no exception. SMRT’s chairman recognized the potential of digitization and embraced it. He has implemented several initiatives to digitize processes, from ticketing to maintenance. For instance, SMRT has introduced an e-payment system enabling passengers to pay for their journeys using mobile phones.
Predictive Maintenance Systems
Additionally, they have implemented predictive maintenance systems that use machine learning to identify potential faults in trains and buses, thereby reducing downtimes. Furthermore, they have adopted a data-driven approach to operations, enabling them to optimize routes and schedules in response to changes in demand.
Operational Efficiency
The digitization of processes has enabled SMRT to provide better services and improve operational efficiency. By leveraging technology, SMRT can analyze customer data and gain insights into travel patterns. This allows them to customize services so that they are tailored to customer needs.
Collaboration and Partnerships
Successful leaders recognize that collaboration and partnerships are essential for business growth. SMRT’s chairman has been instrumental in forging partnerships with several companies to drive innovation. For instance, they have partnered with technology companies like Grab to integrate their app with public transport services. Additionally, they have partnered with industry leaders such as Siemens to drive technological innovation and improve service quality.
Importance of Stakeholders
The chairman also recognizes the importance of involving stakeholders in the decision-making process. This includes engaging employees, customers, suppliers, and other partners to ensure everyone is on board with the objectives and strategies set out by SMRT. The company has also established an internal culture that encourages collaboration between departments to better serve their customers.
Employee Empowerment
Successful leaders understand that their employees are their most valuable assets and empower them. SMRT’s chairman recognizes the importance of employee empowerment and has implemented several initiatives to support it. For instance, they have introduced training programs that enable employees to upskill themselves.
Accountability and Improvement
Additionally, they have focused on creating a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, empowering employees to contribute to the company’s success. Furthermore, SMRT has developed an internal communication platform to update employees on the latest company news and initiatives. This effort contributes to employee engagement and encourages them to be part of the business decisions that impact their work.
The chairman of SMRT is a visionary leader who has transformed the company with his leadership. His emphasis on innovation, sustainability, digitization, collaboration, and employee empowerment is commendable. For Singapore businesses, there is much to learn from his leadership. Following his example, businesses can drive growth, embrace sustainability, and stand out as socially responsible companies. In today’s ever-changing business landscape, visionary leadership is the key to success, and SMRT’s Chairman is a shining example.
